For the fourth time in its 13-year history, the Diamonds took the same spoils in an old-fashioned win against the Silver Ferns.
Although the Silver Ferns came from behind to defeat Australia 53-50 in Auckland in a thriller match, it wasn’t enough for them to take home the Constellation Cup.
Coach Dame Noeline Taurua believes it is still not enough; there should be five games, especially after having this streak run for three years.
“We’ve always ‘echoed’ five tests; I don’t know what’s happened as to why it hasn’t happened.
“Whether it’s been Covid, I’m not too sure because for three years it’s always been; two; two,” Taurua says.
New Zealand won the third test 53-50 in Invercargill last Thursday. Australia had a two-goal lead going into the final period and extended it to five when goalkeeper Courtney Bruce forced a mistake under goal. New Zealand responded with four unanswered goals to stay in the game, desperate for a turnover to take their first lead.
208 goals to 195
With just over eight minutes remaining, star shooter Grace Nweke converted and then scored again off the next centre pass to put the team ahead.
Their 53-50 victory over the current world champions, who are also their greatest rival in netball, was only the third time in coach Dame Noeline Taurua’s tenure.
After dominating the first two games of the four-match series, the world champion Diamonds retain the Constellation Cup on goal differential.
Across the four games, the Diamonds scored 208 goals to New Zealand’s 195.
In her tenure, the Ferns have only lost the Constellation Cup once, in 2018, with three 2-2 draws in 2019, 2022, and now 2023.
Coach Dame Noeline Taurua says Australia has won the cup due to the point difference.
Fast5 next
“If we don’t get that, that’s our next step on how we can win back-to-back.”
The four-match series finished tied 2-2, with Australia prevailing as they scored a total of 208 goals to New Zealand’s 195 across the four matches.
Looking ahead, the Fast5 Netball World Series will be held in Christchurch in three weeks, followed by a Silver Ferns camp in December.
